Everything You Need to Know for Pesach

Do you know what to do on Pesach this year? Read this comprehensive guide by Rabbi Shmuel Lesches, Rov of Young Yeshivah Shul in Melbourne, Australia.

The following is a Halacha guide compiled by Rabbi Shmuel Lesches, Rov of Young Yeshivah Shul in Melbourne, Australia.

[Please be advised that all times listed here are only for Melbourne, Australia. Please see your local calendar for proper times in your location.]

Click here to view and download in PDF format.

🙝 Thirty days prior to Pesach

From Purim onward, one should learn and become fluent in the Halachos of Pesach. Since an inspiring Pesach is the product of diligent preparation, one should learn Maamarim which focus on its inner dimension.

Matzah is not eaten. However, until the end-time for eating Chometz on Erev Pesach, one may eat Matzah-like crackers which are really Chometz or egg-Matzah. One may also eat Matzah balls or foods containing Matzah meal. One may also be lenient for children below the age of Chinuch.

During these days, Chometz should not be scattered in a manner that would make it hard to clean and remove before Pesach, or that would allow it to go unnoticed before Pesach. 

One should give Maos Chittim and provide all the Pesach needs (including food and clothing) of the poor. [For Melbourne, please donate at mjcf.com.au.]

One should participate in Mivtza Matzah, ensuring that every Jew has round hand-made Shmurah-Matzah for Pesach (or at least for the Seder) and attends a Seder. Suitable arrangements should be made for Jewish servicemen, as well those in hospitals, aged-care facilities or jail.

Before Pesach, all children should be given the opportunity to attend a model-Seder. [It should be conducted in a manner that will not conflict with the respective family Minhagim of the children in attendance.]

Every Jew should be encouraged to sell his Chometz, even if there is concern that he will consume it on Pesach. [Obviously, such a person should be educated not to use it.] 

Those with travel plans should ensure that they will be able to observe Pesach properly without relaxing any standards. One should avoid the International Dateline on the return journey so as not to impact one’s Sefiras Haomer. [Alert: Polar flight routes can be equally, if not more, problematic. Guidance should be sought from a Rav familiar with these matters.]

🙝 Month of Nissan

Tachnun is not recited the entire month. Similarly, Av Harachamim and Tzidkosecha are omitted each Shabbos.

The Nossi is recited each of the first twelve days of Nissan, followed by the Yehi Ratzon printed in the Siddur. It is recited even by a Kohen and Levi. On the thirteenth day, one recites the selection from “Zos Chanukas Hamizbeach” until “Ken Assah es Hamenorah”, but without reciting the Yehi Ratzon.

One may not fast during Nissan, except a Chosson and Kallah on their wedding day, who fast even on Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

During the month of Nissan, one recites the applicable Brocho when seeing blossoming fruit-trees for the first time. This Brocho is not recited in the Southern Hemisphere.

Haircuts may be taken only until Erev Shabbos, 13^th of Nissan (see further).

🙝 Shabbos 7 Nissan

This year, the Drosho about the practical Halachos of Pesach is scheduled for this Shabbos, as many Halachos are already applicable prior to Shabbos Hagadol.

On Motzei Shabbos, Vihi Noam and V’atah Kaddosh are recited. 

🙝 Cleaning away the Chometz

It is improper to complain about the work and effort required in preparing for Pesach.

One should remember to clean or discard any Chometz found in the “less obvious” locations such as vacuum cleaners, brooms, mops, floor ducts, kitchen walls, car interiors (including rented cars), car-seats, baby carriages, highchairs (the tray should also be lined), briefcases, pocketbooks, phones, mobile devices, computer keyboards and other devices commonly handled when eating.

Items regularly used around Chometz (e.g. cookbooks, Bentchers, Siddurim and Kvorts) must be stored with the Chometz that is sold for Pesach. Seforim and toys should be cleaned well or included in Mechiras Chometz. Some play items such as plasticine may contain Chometz and must be included in Mechiras Chometz. 

Tablecloths or napkins should not be used if they were starched with a substance that may contain Chometz. One should also ensure that starched clothing does not come into contact with food. 

Shabbos candlesticks should be cleaned thoroughly. If the usual tray will be used on Pesach, it should be cleaned well and covered in foil. No food should be placed on the candlestick tray on Pesach.

Rubbish bins should be thoroughly cleaned. Council bins should also be cleaned; alternatively, before the end time of Biur Chometz (Friday), they should be placed in the public domain for the entire Pesach, and the bin with its contents deemed ownerless.  

New toothbrushes should be prepared for Pesach.

A Rav should be consulted regarding the use of vitamins and medicines (taken orally) which may contain Chometz.

Pet food must be Chometz-free but may contain Kitniyos. Cages, enclosures and feeding bowls must be thoroughly cleaned.

One does not need to clean behind or under heavy furniture rarely moved, as long as there are no plans to move it on Pesach itself. [Even if one knows for certain that there is Chometz there, one may include it in the Mechiras Chometz.]

🙝 Kashering 

It is customary to avoid Kashering utensils where possible, and to instead use utensils designated exclusively for Pesach. [If Kashering is performed, it should be done under the guidance of one who is well versed in the relevant Halachos.]

Dishwashers, regular ovens, continuous-cleaning ovens, toaster ovens, microwave ovens, grills and BBQs are not Kashered and used for Pesach. Self-cleaning ovens which reach approximately 480°C/900°F may be Kashered by running it through a full clean cycle; the oven door and seals should be cleaned well beforehand.For gas cooktops, the grates are Kashered through Libbun Gommur (heating the grates until they glow red-hot in the dark). The burners, drip-trays and cooktop surface beneath the grates are Kashered by cleaning them thoroughly, after which Libbun Kal (heating the metal until the other side is hot enough to scorch paper) is performed. One way to achieve all of this is by turning all the burners on the highest, and covering the entire cooktop with a Blech until the grates glow red-hot, by which time the other components of the cooktop will have reached the heat of Libbun Kal. [Do not leave the stove unattended when Kashering with this method, and ensure adequate ventilation.] 

For standard electric cooktops (where the burner coils are exposed), the coils are Kashered through Libbun Gommur (turning them onto the highest setting until they glow red-hot), while the burners, drip-trays and cooktop surface are Kashered by cleaning them thoroughly, after which Libbun Kal is performed. 

If the cooktop surface cannot be Kashered through Libbun Kal (e.g. if made of glass or enamel), it may instead be covered with a durable and heat-proof covering or lining. 

Cooktop knobs and backsplashes should be cleaned and lined with foil. 

Induction cooktops and electric smoothtops (where the burner coils lie beneath a flat ceramic glass surface) are not Kashered and used for Pesach.

Wooden or laminate tabletops and countertops are Kashered by cleaning them thoroughly (including crevices) and waiting 24 hours. Then, after ensuring that the surface is thoroughly dry, one pours boiling water from a kettle that has just been removed from the source of heat, ensuring that the flow of water from the kettle to the entire surface is direct and uninterrupted. 

Stone countertops are Kashered similarly, but the boiling water is poured over an Even Meluban (red-hot stone) which is moved around (or right above) the entire surface as the water is poured over it. The Even Meluban remains effective as long as it causes the boiling water to bubble.

Metal countertops and sinks are Kashered with boiling water and an Even Meluban, in the manner described above. The water should be poured over the lowest surfaces first, before moving upward. Alternatively, they may be Kashered through Libbun Kal (blowtorching until the other side of the metal is hot enough to scorch paper). 

Metal faucets and faucet handles are Kashered by pouring boiling water (in the manner described above for tabletops and counters). The hot tap-water should be turned on and running through the interior of the faucet at the time that it’s exterior is being Kashered. Bleach should be poured down the sink drain and onto any crevices between the sink and the sink drain. Any tap filters, aerators, strainers and sponges should be replaced.

The kettle used to boil the water for Kashering is customarily reserved for this purpose alone, and is used neither with the Chometz nor with the Pesach cooking. 

If a tabletop or countertop will be damaged by Kashering, or is made of a material that cannot be Kashered, one should cover it well instead, ensuring that no liquid is trapped beneath.

After Kashering, all countertops, backsplashes, tables and cooktop surfaces should be lined or covered. Sinks should also be lined or fitted with sink inserts. 

Fans, hoods and other areas above stoves and ovens should be cleaned and ideally covered due to the steam that circulates when cooking. 

A separate Blech and urn is used for Pesach.

Pantries, cupboards, shelves, fridges and freezers (defrosted first) should be thoroughly cleaned with a cleaning agent, and lined. The fridge/freezer rubber door seals should be cleaned as well, and the interior circulation vents should not be blocked, so as not to cause damage.

🙝 Mechiras Chometz

Mechiras Chometz is effective only if one truly commits to sell his Chometz in an unconditional and absolute sale. It is therefore customary to perform a Kinyan (act of acquisition) when authorising the Rav to sell the Chometz.  [However, this Kinyan is not an absolute requirement.]

Mechiras Chometz occurs before the fifth seasonal hour (12:25pm) on Erev Shabbos, in keeping with the usual time schedule every other year. However, it is preferable to visit the Rav before the night of Bedikas Chometz (i.e. Thursday night). Practically, one should not wait until then, and instead go at the earliest opportunity. 

When the householder sells the Chometz, his dependents (who dwell with him permanently) do not need to, unless they own Chometz independently. 

Chometz belonging to a Shule or public organization should be sold by the office-bearer responsible for finances.

In the sale, one includes all Chometz and Chometz utensils. Since the actual location of the Chometz is also leased to the non-Jew, one should list the full address of each of his personal and business properties, including common-owned properties, preferably concluding with the words “and wherever my Chometz may be found”. 

If one owns Chometz in a different time-zone, or is travelling to a different time-zone for Pesach, he should inform the Rav of his situation for further guidance.

If one is away from home for the entire Pesach: If he arrives at his destination before the night of Bedikas Chometz, he includes his entire home in the Mechiras Chometz. If he will still be at home the night of Bedikas Chometz, he includes most of his home in Mechiras Chometz, but excludes a small area so that he can conduct Bedikas Chometz (see “Bedikas Chometz” section).

🙝 Fast of the Firstborns 

This year, the fast of the firstborns is on Thursday the 12^th of Nissan.

Every male Bechor, as well as the father of a Bechor under the age of Bar Mitzvah, should attend and eat from a Seudas Mitzvah such as a Siyum, Bris or Pidyon Haben. They should not eat before partaking of the Seudas Mitzvah.

A Siyum may be made on a Masechta of Gemoro or an entire Seder of Mishna. [The Siyum may be made even by a child.] The usual Kaddish D’rabanan is recited at the Siyum, and not the “Kaddish Hagadol” printed in the back of the Gemoro.

A Bechor (or the father of a Bechor under the age of Bar Mitzvah) who did not hear a Siyum must fast.

🙝 Chometz This Year

This year, when Erev Pesach coincides with Shabbos, one may eat Chometz until Shabbos morning. In fact, eating Chometz is a requirement for the purposes of Lechem Mishnah on Friday night and Shabbos morning, given that Matzah cannot be used at these times. [See further for details.]

Nevertheless, since Bedikas Chometz and Biur Chometz cannot be performed in the usual manner on Shabbos, both of these are conducted one day earlier, and their times are equivalent to every other year. Thus, Bedikas Chometz is conducted on Thursday night at Tzeis, and the Chometz is burned on Friday morning before 12:25pm. 

From after the time of Bedikas Chometz, it is advisable that all Chometz be eaten only in one designated area, and it be a place where crumbs are easily cleaned even on Shabbos (as opposed to carpet, or dining furniture with crevices). Young children should not be left unsupervised with Chometz.

🙝 Bedikas Chometz Preparations

The house should be completely cleaned, the floors swept (including under the beds), and all Chometz removed prior to Bedikas Chometz. Anything included in Mechiras Chometz should be securely stored away before Bedikas Chometz, either by placing it in a closed area such as a closet (which should be locked or marked), or by completely barricading it with a sturdy Mechitzah at least ten Tefachim tall. A curtain that is easily slung aside does not suffice. [When extremely necessary, one may access these areas during Pesach, but must avoid remaining there for any length of time, and must not touch the Chometz nor open any boxes containing them.] 

Chometz that will be eaten from now until Shabbos morning must be placed in a secure location before Bedikas Chometz, out of the reach of children and of rodents. 

A paper bag, single-wick beeswax candle, feather and wooden spoon are prepared for Bedikas Chometz.

Ten pieces of bread are put out, each piece less than a Kezayis, but all pieces totalling at least a Kezayis. Each piece should be wrapped well in paper in order to prevent crumbs. The wrapping material must be flammable (as opposed to foil) so that the pieces of bread burn well.

A record should be kept of the pieces’ locations in case they are not found during the search.

🙝 Time of Bedikas Chometz 

Bedikas Chometz is performed as soon as possible after Tzeis Hakochavim (7:50pm), and after davening Maariv. 

From half an hour prior to Tzeis Hakochavim until after Bedikas Chometz (even if running late), one may not eat more than a K’beitzah (57 grams) of bread or Mezonos, drink alcoholic beverages, nap, learn Torah, bathe, haircut, work or perform other absorbing activities unrelated to Bedikas Chometz. 

If one began these activities prior to this time, he may continue during the half hour before Tzeis Hakochavim, but must stop as soon as it is Tzeis Hakochavim. 

One may begin learning during the half hour before Tzeis Hakochavim only if he appoints a Shomer (guardian) who is not learning to remind him to perform Bedikas Chometz as soon as it is Tzeis Hakochavim. Even so, a Shomer does not allow one to engage in the other prohibited activities. 

🙝 Bedikas Chometz 

Although not a requirement, the Alter Rebbe records the custom of washing Neggel Vasser prior to Bedikas Chometz.

One lights the candle before reciting the Brocho, and holds it in his right hand during the Brocho, in order to begin searching as soon as the Brocho is finished.

After the Brocho, one should not speak at all prior to beginning the search, even matters related to the search. If one did speak, he must repeat the Brocho if his words were unrelated to the search. 

After one already began the search, until the conclusion of Kol Chamiro, one should not speak matters unrelated to Bedikas Chometz (unless otherwise obligatory, such as the Brocho over thunder and lightning). Nevertheless, if one did speak unnecessarily, he does not repeat the Brocho.

The search begins in a location right next to where the Brocho was recited, and is conducted carefully and thoroughly. 

The obligation of Bedikas Chometz rests with the householder. Nevertheless, he may delegate part (but preferably not all) of the search to male family members over Bar Mitzvah. Ideally, before spreading out, they should hear his Brocho and immediately begin searching in a location right next to where he recited the Brocho. Otherwise, they search without a Brocho. 

One searches by the light of the candle and with a feather. Any Chometz found is placed in the paper bag. 

One must carefully and meticulously search every location into which Chometz may have potentially been brought, even if only on occasion, and even if it has already been cleaned for Pesach. Even after all ten pieces are found, one must properly search the remainder of the house. However, one does not need to check the locations that are being leased in the Mechiras Chometz. 

One should remember to search his porch, garage and vehicle during or after Bedikas Chometz.

After Bedikas Chometz is concluded, the bag of ten pieces along with the feather and any remnant of the candle is placed inside the hollow of the spoon. It is then all wrapped in paper and tied with string, ensuring that the spoon handle remains visible, and stored in a secure location inaccessible to children or rodents. 

Afterwards, one recites “Kol Chamiro”, ensuring that he understands the meaning. [Otherwise, he should recite it in a language that he understands.]

One must also perform Bedikas Chometz (or appoint a Shliach to do so) at any other property he is fully or partly responsible for (e.g. workplace, dormitory room, common-owned entryways and facilities rooms) if it is not being sold for Pesach. Ideally, this is done right after Bedikas Chometz at home. [The Brocho is not recited again; one should therefore have these locations in mind when reciting the Brocho at home.] A person must also be delegated to perform Bedikas Chometz at the Shule and the Beis Midrash. 

If one is vacating his home for the entire Pesach: If he arrives at his destination before the night of Bedikas Chometz, he includes his entire home in the Mechiras Chometz, and performs Bedikas Chometz at his destination. [When one is guesting with a host, he may rely on the host’s Bedikas Chometz and need not perform it himself. Alternatively, he may rent a room from the host with a valid Kinyan and perform Bedikas Chometz himself.]

If he will still be at home for the night of Bedikas Chometz, he should include most of his home in the Mechiras Chometz, but exclude a small area in which to conduct Bedikas Chometz. He must also perform Bedikas Chometz (without a Brocho) when he arrives at his destination, unless someone else already performed it there.

If one is away from home for the night of Bedikas Chometz, but will be returning on Erev Pesach or during Pesach, he must conduct Bedikas Chometz (including Kol Chamiro) the night before he leaves home, without a Brocho. [This is in addition to searching at the place he is staying on the night of Bedikas Chometz.] Alternatively, he may appoint a Shliach to search his home on the night of Bedikas Chometz with a Brocho; however, the homeowner must still recite Kol Chamiro. 

🙝 Pesach and Seder Preparations

One should familiarize himself with all the Halachos associated with the Seder. 

A clean and undamaged Becher (or cup) that holds at least a Revi’is (86ml) is prepared for every participant, both male and female. When choosing the size of the Becher, one should bear in mind that each of the four cups of wine are ideally consumed in one swallow. 

Preferably, the Becher or cup should be of significant quality, such as silver or glass, as opposed to disposables.  

One should prepare enough red wine to supply four cups for every participant. (White wine is not used at the Seder unless it is superior to all available red wines.) Since a great variety of wines are readily available in present times, including dry wines and low-alcohol wines, one should avoid grape-juice if possible.

If a non Shomer-Shabbos Jew or non-Jew will be present in the room during the Seder, the wine must be Mevushal.

One should prepare a sufficient supply of unbroken concave-shaped Matzos for the Seder. 

The romaine lettuce should be washed and checked for bugs before Shabbos. They should also be dried so that they may be eaten together with the Matzah at Koirech.

The horseradish should be ground before Shabbos and placed in an air-tight container to retain its potency. [If, prior to purchase, the horseradish was cut with a knife whose status is unknown, the area of the cut should be removed and discarded.]

The Charoses should be prepared (with apples, pears and nuts) before Shabbos. 

Hard boiled eggs should be prepared before Shabbos (but remain unpeeled) for the Kaarah. 

Onions are used for the Karpas.

Chicken-necks are roasted before Shabbos for the Zeroah, and most (but not all) of its meat removed (this can be done at the Seder). 

Salt-water is prepared before Shabbos. 

Roasted meat or poultry may not be eaten at the Seder, even if it was cooked prior to roasting. However, it may be eaten if it was cooked after roasting. [Liver is often just roasted, and it should therefore not be eaten at the Seder.] Pot-roast is treated as regular roast, unless water or juice is added before cooking.

With regards to meat and other foods, one should not say, “This is for Pesach,” for he appears to be designating it for the Korbon Pesach. [This prohibition does not apply to the wheat used for Matzos.]

The Rebbe encouraged that children be given their own illustrated Haggadah to increase their excitement. 

Yom Tov in general, and the Seder in particular, is an especially appropriate time to host guests. 

The Mitzvah of V’Samechta B’Chagecha entails eating meat, wine and delicacies; providing new clothing or jewellery for one’s wife according to his means; and giving sweets to the children. These should be arranged in advance.

🙝 Erev Shabbos Hagadol Morning

Mizmor L’Sodah is recited on this day.

When in Shule, one should clean and remove any Chometz in his locker. Chometz should not be brought to Shule for the rest of the day or on Shabbos, as it will have already undergone Bedikas Chometz. 

The activities regularly prohibited on Erev Pesach may be performed today even after midday. This includes tailoring, sewing, laundering, giving haircuts and meticulous forms of writing. [As per any Erev Shabbos, any manual labour which is not for the sake of Shabbos and Yom Tov should not be performed after Mincha Ketanah in a focussed and permanent manner.]

Any laundry should be tended to before Shabbos because one may not launder on Chol Hamoied.

One should have a haircut in honour of Pesach. (Furthermore, haircuts are not taken again until Erev Shavuos 5^th Sivan). Similarly, nails are trimmed in honour of Pesach. [Another reason to tend to them on Erev Pesach is because they otherwise cannot be trimmed on Chol Hamoied.] This year, one may do so even after midday.

🙝 Biur Chometz on Erev Shabbos

This year, Biur Chometz occurs on Erev Shabbos, before the fifth seasonal hour (12:25pm, in keeping with the usual time every other year. Even so, one may continue to consume Chometz until Shabbos morning (see further).

Prior to the end-time of Biur Chometz, one should: 

• store any Chometz for Friday and Shabbos in a secure location.
• remove from his property all rubbish that may contain Chometz.
• check the pockets and cuffs of any unlaundered clothing and coats.
• seal and mark all locations included in Mechiras Chometz.

If one is running late, these may be done any time prior to Shabbos.

When Erev Pesach coincides with Shabbos, one may Kasher utensils the entire Friday until evening. One should remember to clean jewelry rings, then Kasher them by pouring boiling water over them. Nevertheless, some Poskim advise that all Kashering should be done before the fifth seasonal hour (12:25pm, so as not to distinguish from other years.

One should ensure that the pieces of Chometz are thoroughly burned before the end-time of Biur Chometz. [Nevertheless, if one is running late, the Chometz may – and should – be burned the rest of the day, prior to Shabbos. One may also burn the Chometz earlier in the morning.]

Flammable liquids are not recommended when burning the Chometz, due to the concern that they may render the Chometz inedible, as well as safety concerns. 

If still extant, the Daled Minim and/or Hoishanos are burned at Biur Chometz.

The fire is used solely for burning the Chometz. One should not derive any benefit from the fire. 

The second Kol Chamiro is not recited now, but on Shabbos (see further). Nevertheless, the Rebbe would recite the accompanying Yehi Ratzon at this time.

🙝 Shabbos Meals Preparations

It is advisable, and common practice, that all foods prepared for Shabbos should be Pesachdik. This is to prevent the risk of Chometz scattering, and also because it is Halachically problematic on Shabbos to wash Chometz dishes of their contents after their last use. [This concern applies even to disposable tableware, for any Chometz that sticks to it would need to be somehow eliminated.] 

The only Chometz should be the Challah used for Lechem Mishnah. One should obtain Challah in precise quantity so that there is enough for everyone to eat, i.e. at least a Kbeitzah (a measurement of volume equal to the displacement of 57ml of water) per meal, but minimising leftovers as much as possible. 

It is advisable to prepare disposable tablecloths, tableware and / or napkins for use with the Challah. [The disposable tablecloth should be cut to size before Shabbos, for it is forbidden to do so on Shabbos. It should not be placed under the candelabra, for then it is will not be removable on Shabbos.] If non-disposables are used, one should retain only the minimum required for Shabbos.

Any Chometz storage locations which will need to be accessed on Shabbos should not be taped or tied shut, but rather, be sealed in a manner that allows access on Shabbos.

Any floss needed for cleaning one’s mouth on Shabbos morning (see further) should be cut to size before Shabbos.

On Erev Shabbos, it is ideal to open the packaging of all the items that will be used during Shabbos and Yom Tov (e.g. wine bottles and Matzah boxes).

🙝 Erev Shabbos Hagadol Afternoon

At the conclusion of Shnayim Mikrah v’Echad Targum, the Haftorah of Parshas Tzav and of Shabbos Hagadol (V’arva) are both recited.

One immerses in a Mikvah after midday.

It is preferable to refrain from eating a proper meal once the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (4:23pm), in order to properly enjoy the Shabbos meal at night. However, one may snack in small quantities.

One gives Tzedakah on Erev Yom Tov for three days – the two days of Yom Tov and Shabbos.

Those who perform an annual Eruv Chatzeiros customarily do it before Pesach using Shmurah Matzah. This year, it should be done on Erev Shabbos.

One should arrange a pre-existing flame from which to light the candles on the first and second nights of Pesach.

Candle-lighting is at 7:05pm, as per a regular Erev Shabbos.

🙝 Shabbos Hagadol Night / Morning

The Lechem Mishnah of the night and morning meals should be brought out only when it is time to eat it. The Challah should be consumed in a manner that will not leave crumbs in one’s property, such as by eating it over napkins. [Hand jewellery should be removed before eating the Challah.]

After eating the Challah, any used napkins should be flushed down the toilet. Tablecloths and / or tableware should be shaken out over the toilet to remove all crumbs, and then discarded. [If non-disposables were used, they should not be rinsed. Rather, they should be cleaned in the above fashion and then stored with the items included in the Mechiras Chometz.] 

One should also wash his hands and mouth at a sink which is not being used for Pesach foods, and inspect his clothes and the eating area for any remaining crumbs, which should all be flushed down the toilet.

As an added precaution, many people choose to eat the Challah in another location, such as the porch or backyard, and then return to the main dining area for the remainder of the meal. In this case, one will (generally) be required to make Kiddush at the place where the Challah will be eaten, and also have in mind the transfer of location when making the Brocho of Hamotzi. Similarly, one should ensure that the Shabbos candles can be seen from the place where the Challah will be eaten. [If eating the meal over earth or grass, care must be taken that liquids do not spill onto the grass.]

One should use a proper Becher for Kiddush, ensuring it doesn’t mingle with the Challah.

The Shabbos morning davening is scheduled early, and it should not be prolonged, in order that there be ample time to eat Chometz after davening. 

The Haftorah of V’arva is recited, since Shabbos coincides with Erev Pesach.

Apples, pears, nuts and Maror are not eaten from Shabbos morning until Shulchan Orech of the second Seder.

🙝 Biur Chometz on Shabbos Hagadol

One must stop eating Chometz before 11:26am, and wash his hands and mouth at a sink which is not being used for Pesach foods. One may floss on Shabbos if he does so regularly (for then it is not inevitable that his gums will bleed), but the floss itself needs to have been cut before Shabbos.

One may still benefit from Chometz until the end-time of Biur Chometz (12:25pm).

One should inspect and clean any Chometz eating areas (including floors), ensuring that any remaining pieces or crumbs of Chometz are flushed down the toilet before the end-time of Biur Chometz (12:25pm).

One should also clean his clothes, including pockets and cuffs, of any Chometz traces.

Before the end-time of Biur Chometz, one recites the second Kol Chamiro, ensuring that he understands its meaning. [Otherwise, he should recite it in a language that he understands.] He should do so now even if he erroneously recited it on Friday when the Chometz was burned.

The accompanying Yehi Ratzon, which was already recited yesterday, is not repeated at this time.

One should recite Kol Chamiro even if he did not destroy any of the Chometz (e.g. a child or guest).

🙝 Chometz After this Time

One cannot benefit from any Chometz – even belonging to a non-Jew. [Examples include sitting on a sack of flour, enjoying the smell of Chometz, selling or giving Chometz to a non-Jew, feeding Chometz to an animal – even one that is ownerless, renting/lending any item to a non-Jew when it is known or he clearly states that he will use it for Chometz, or placing an order for Chometz to be delivered right after Pesach.] 

One may not assume responsibility for any Chometz on Pesach, even if it belongs to a non-Jew. [Examples include providing a delivery service, storing it in one’s property or warehouse, or relying on it as collateral for a loan.] If one did assume responsibility for such Chometz before Pesach, he must include it in Mechiras Chometz.

One may not touch Chometz throughout Pesach, unless while destroying it. [On Shabbos – from after the end time of Biur Chometz – and Yom Tov, there is the additional concern of Muktzeh.] One may also not eat at the same table as a non-Jew eating Chometz, even if they are not acquainted, and even if there is a Heker (item serving as a reminder) in between. 

One must prevent a gentile employee (such as a household-helper) from bringing Chometz onto one’s premises. A gentile who is not an employee may enter with Chometz and eat it on site, provided that one doesn’t thereby assume any responsibility for the Chometz. One must also ensure that the gentile removes the Chometz from the premises as soon as he leaves, and the area must be cleaned.

🙝 Finding Chometz After this Time

If one finds Chometz on Shabbos – from after the end time of Biur Chometz – or Yom Tov, he should cover it immediately without moving it, as it is Muktzeh. He should burn it immediately after Yom Tov. [If, for whatever reason, the Chometz is already in someone’s hand, he should be directed to immediately flush it down the toilet.]

If one finds Chometz on Chol Hamoied, or after Pesach, he should burn it immediately. 

When burning such Chometz, the Brocho of Al Biur Chometz is recited only when all the following conditions are met:

• It is definite Chometz.
• It belongs to him.
• It is a Kezayis or bigger. [If it became Chometz on Pesach itself, it does not need to be a Kezayis.]
• It is still Pesach (not before or after).
• It was not in his possession at the time when the Rav sold the Chometz. [If it arrived afterwards, one should still consult a Rav.] 

If a guest mistakenly brings Chometz as a gift, one should intend to not acquire it. One should also remember not to handle it directly on Yom Tov, and should follow the instructions above for destroying it.

🙝 Shabbos Hagadol Afternoon

Parents should ensure that their children nap during the day so that they are awake and alert for the Seder. [It is best not to verbalise that the nap is for after Shabbos.]

It is forbidden to eat a proper meal once the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (4:23pm), in order to eat the Matzah at night with a healthy appetite. However, one may snack in small quantities that won’t ruin his appetite for the Seder. 

One may not perform any preparations on Shabbos for Yom Tov. [However, during Bein Hashmashos, one may instruct a Goy to prepare that which would be permissible for a Jew to perform on Yom Tov were it not being prepared for the second day.]

Mincha is davened a bit earlier than usual, in order to recite “Seder Korban Pesach” before sunset. After Mincha, the Haggadah is read from “Avadim Hayinu” until “L’chaper Al Kol Avoinoseinu”. This is followed by “Seder Korban Pesach”. [If one is late, he should still recite it after sunset.] 

🙝 Matzah

One should use Matzah produced from wheat, and not from other grains (such as spelt), unless there are health concerns.

Chabad custom is to use only round hand-made Shmurah-Matzah during Pesach.

Egg-Matzos are not used on Pesach.

If a Matzah folded over during baking, or it has a large bubble, one should not eat of that area or its perimeter (at least 2cm).

Chabad custom is to not eat “Gebrochts” (aside from on the last day of Pesach). One is extremely meticulous to ensure that the Matzah does not become moistened. 

The Matzos on the table should be covered to prevent liquid spilling on them, as well as to prevent Matzah crumbs from falling into liquids. Before pouring liquid into a vessel, one ensures that there are no Matzah crumbs in it.

Any vessel that came into contact with Gebrochts is set aside and not used until Acharon Shel Pesach.

During Pesach, one does not pass his wet hand over his lips at Mayim Achronim, out of the concern that there might be Matzah crumbs remaining on his lips.

🙝 Kitniyos

Kitniyos (legumes) are not eaten on Pesach. Common examples include rice, millet, buckwheat, corn, peas, beans, lentils, sesame seeds, mustard, chickpeas, peanuts, soy and soybeans, tofu, sunflower and poppy seeds. It is best to avoid quinoa, as their status is unclear.

Kitniyos derived oils are not used, such as canola, corn, peanut, safflower, sesame, sunflower, soybean (often labelled as vegetable oil) or rapeseed (flaxseed) oils. The status of cottonseed oil is debated, but it is generally regarded as non-Kitniyos.

Kitniyos may be used when necessary for the sick, infirm or babies (e.g. infant formulas and nutritional supplements). However, designated utensils should be used, and they should be kept separate from the rest of the Pesach utensils.

One may own and derive benefit from Kitniyos on Pesach (such as feeding pets).

If Kitniyos inadvertently fell into another food item on Pesach, it is nullified if the mixture contains more non-Kitniyos than Kitniyos. Such a mixture can be consumed even if it has a pronounced taste of Kitniyos, as long as no piece of Kitniyos is visually discernible. Nevertheless, it is common practice not to eat any item containing even a trace of Kitniyos.

🙝 Prevalent Chumros

The Arizal stressed the importance of observing Chumros on Pesach. The following practices are prevalent in Chabad circles, the specifics of which may vary from family to family: 

• To peel or shell all fruits, vegetable and nuts before use.
• Not to eat leafy vegetables which can’t be peeled (besides romaine lettuce).
• To have a special pot exclusively for boiling eggs.
• To boil and strain sugar before Pesach.
• Not to eat commercially prepared foods (besides Matzah, wine, meat and/or oil).
• Not to use spices.
• To use coarse salt and not fine salt.
• Not to eat garlic and radishes.
• Not to use food that fell on the floor. (If peelable, one may peel it). 
• To thoroughly wash any utensil that fell on the floor, or to set it aside and not use it until the following Pesach.
• Not to drink any alcoholic beverages other than wine.
• Not to eat food prepared outside one’s own home.
• Some do not eat dairy foods.
• Some do not drink tea or coffee.
• Some do not use potato starch.
• To cook as much as possible prior to Pesach, since a speck of Chometz that is inadvertently mixed in becomes nullified then, unlike on Pesach itself.

🙝 First Night of Pesach

Shabbos ends at 8:00pm. Maariv (and Kiddush) should not begin before this time, nor should tasks and preparations required for Yom Tov be conducted before this time.

Vatodienu is recited during the Shmoneh Esrei of Maariv. [If one forgot to do so, he does not correct his mistake, but should say Baruch Hamavdil Bein Koidesh L’Koidesh before doing anything forbidden on Shabbos but permitted on Yom Tov, or before performing tasks for the second night of Yom Tov. The same applies to a woman who will not be davening Maariv.]

The candles should be kindled with a pre-existing flame, and only after Shabbos ends. The Brochos are L’Hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov followed by Shehecheyanu. 

Candles must not be waxed into place, nor may the wicks be twisted. When necessary, one may remove the wax from the previous night in a way that it falls directly into the bin.

On Yom Tov, one may not relight a candle that extinguished for the first time on Shabbos. 

When a man is required to light candles, he does not recite Shehecheyanu, as he will be doing so in Kiddush. [Therefore, it is best that he lights candles right before Kiddush, so that his Shehecheyanu is linked to both.]

If conducting the Seder elsewhere, one must derive some practical benefit from the candles after nightfall.

🙝 Hallel 

The entire Hallel is recited on the first two night and days of Pesach. Half Hallel is recited on the last six days of Pesach.

Hallel is recited standing (unless one is feeble or infirm). 

When reciting the entire Hallel, one may not interrupt it – other than for those things that one may respond to during the Brochos of Krias Shema. [I.e. If the Chazzan recites Kedushah, one responds Kodosh, Boruch and Yimloch. When the Chazzan says Ha’E-l Hakodosh, one answers Omein. When the Chazzan says Modim, one answers the three words Modim Anachnu Loch. When the Chazzan recites Kaddish, one answers Omein Yehei Shmei etc, and Omein to d’amiran b’olmo. One also answers Borchu and Omein when the Brochos are recited before and after an Aliyah or Haftorah.]

When reciting half Hallel, one may respond Omen to any Brocho, but not Boruch Hu u’Voruch Shmoi. One may also respond to Borchu, Kaddish and Kedushah.

It is preferable to recite Hallel with the Minyan. If one is not up to the Minyan, this creates a dilemma; on the one hand it is appropriate to recite Hallel with the congregation (if he hasn’t yet begun Boruch She’omar), and on the other hand, it is appropriate that one davens in the correct order. For this reason, the Rebbeim were punctilious about being up to Hallel when the Minyan recited it on Yom Tov.

If one forgot to recite Hallel, he should recite it with a Brocho as soon as he remembers; the night Hallel may be recited until dawn, and the day Hallel may be recited until sunset.

If one mistakenly recited half-Hallel on the first two nights or days of Pesach, he must repeat the entire Hallel (without a Brocho).

🙝 Forgot to prepare the Seder items

If one forgot to prepare any of the items for the Seder, one can prepare on the first night only what is necessary for that night, and not for the second night.

If one forgot to prepare the Zeroah, one may use a cooked chicken-neck instead. One may also roast a chicken-neck provided that he consumes its meat the following day (i.e. while it is still the same day of Yom Tov). [This, in spite of the fact that the Zeroah is generally not eaten, as explained further.]

One may not grind horseradish on Yom Tov. If it was not done before Shabbos, one may chop it finely on Yom Tov. Alternatively, one can suffice with romaine lettuce.

If one forgot to wash and check the romaine lettuce for bugs, it may be done as usual on Yom Tov. 

If one forgot to prepare the Charoses, one may grate it on Yom Tov with a Shinui, such as by holding the grater backwards or grating directly onto the tabletop. 

If one forgot to prepare the salt-water, it may be prepared as usual on Yom Tov. 

🙝 The Seder – Both Nights

PLEASE NOTE: The following is only a partial list of practices relating to the Seder; the basic details are readily found in the Haggadah. The Rebbe Rashab told the Frierdiker Rebbe to review the instructions in the Haggadah before every step of the Seder; the Rebbe did so verbally, but quietly.

The table should be set with the best utensils and finery – even if not actually needed for the Seder – as an expression of freedom. If possible, all the Seder items should be ready for the men to begin arranging the Kaarah as soon as they arrive home, but one should not begin these preparations before Shabbos ends.

The Seder should begin as soon as possible, but only after the emergence of three stars (8:00pm).

All men and boys (at least over Bar Mitzvah) should have their own Kaarah. Each person arranges his own Kaarah immediately after returning from Shule. [When arranging his Kaarah, the Rebbe would quietly verbalize the instructions in the Haggadah.]

A cloth, plate or tray is placed under the Kaarah. The Matzos should be unbroken and concave-shaped, and positioned so that they resemble a receptacle. They are inserted from bottom to top, with a cloth between each of them. Another cloth is placed on top upon which the Kaarah items are placed as per the arrangement described in the Haggadah.

During Kiddush on the first night of Pesach, one recites a total of five Brochos: Yayin, Kiddush, Ner, Havdallah and Zman.  [If one jumbled the order, he does not need to repeat it in the correct order, unless he reversed the order of Yayin and Kiddush.] When reciting the Brocho of Ner, one looks at the candle, but does not bring the candles together, nor does one look at his fingernails or bring them close to the flames. [If one forgot to recite Ner and Havdallah during Kiddush, he should recite it over the second cup of wine (and thus eat the Karpas before Havdallah). If one only remembered after the second cup but before finishing the Afikomen, he should recite Ner and Havdallah over a cup of wine as soon as he realizes, without reciting Hagofen. If one realized after the Afikomen, he should recite Ner and Havdallah over the third cup of wine, and if not then, over the fourth cup of wine. If he did not realize until after the Seder, he should recite Ner and Havdallah over a cup of wine as soon as he remembers, and he prefaces it with the Brocho of Hagofen. If he did not remember until the next morning, he should recite the Brocho of Havdallah over a cup of wine, but not the Brocho of Ner.]

A woman who recites her own Kiddush should not say Shehecheyanu, as she already did so at candle-lighting.

Males lean to the left when drinking the four cups of wine, as well as when eating the Matzah at Motzie-Matzah, Koirech and Tzofun. [If one forgot to lean for the second cup of wine or at Motzie-Matzah, he consumes them again whilst leaning, without repeating the Brocho. One may also drink the first cup again if he forgot to lean, as long as he had in mind at the time of Kiddush that he might drink more wine before the second cup. For this reason, it is proper to have such an intention during Kiddush. If one forgot to lean for anything else, he does not repeat it.]

One should drink red wine for each of the four cups. (White wine is not used at the Seder unless it is superior to all available red wines. Even then, one should add a little red wine to colour it). If one cannot drink a full cup of wine, he or she may mix it with grape-juice. If even this is impossible, one may use only grape-juice. [One should avoid diluting the wine or grape-juice with water if possible.]  

Each of the four cups should be entirely consumed without any pause. If this is not possible, one should keep any pause to an absolute minimum. At the very least, one should drink the majority of the cup, preferably in one swallow. [If even this is not possible, the barest minimum is Rov Revi’is (at least 44ml), preferably in one swallow. This applies only to the first three cups but not the fourth – see further.]

One may drink water or other liquids (other than wine) between the first and second cups of wine. If he intended to do so when he recited Kiddush, then he does not make a Brocho; otherwise he recites Shehakol.

Children who are hungry may snack. However, if they are old enough to understand the story of Yetzias Mitzrayim, they should not eat any Matzah until after Maggid.

Although a Brocho is not recited at Urchatz, one must still observe all the other Halachos of Netilas Yadayim. 

One dips the Karpas before making the Brocho, and should have in mind the Maror and Koirech when making the Brocho. One should eat less than a Kezayis of Karpas. After eating of the Karpas, any remainder is not returned to the Kaarah.

At Yachats, the Matzah is broken into two whilst covered in the Kaarah.  [Ideally, the smaller piece should still be a Kezayis.] The larger piece is then broken into five, wrapped in a cloth, and placed between the pillows. [If the larger piece broke into more than five pieces, any extra pieces are not included in the Afikomen.] It is not our custom to “snatch” the Afikomen.

During Maggid, the Haggadah should be recited at a reasonable pace, joyously and in a loud voice, whilst sitting respectfully (and certainly not whilst leaning).

When it says in the Haggadah to raise the Kaarah, our custom is to uncover the middle Matzah instead. Likewise, when it says to remove the Kaarah, our custom is to cover the middle Matzah instead.

During Hey Lachma Anya, the stress is placed on the syllable Bo in the first instance of Habo’oh and on the syllable Oh in the second instance of Habo’oh.

After the children ask Mah Nishtana, everyone else – including the one leading the Seder – recites it quietly as well, along with the prelude “Tatte…” (even if one’s father has already passed away).

At V’hi She’Omdo, the middle Matzah is covered before picking up the wine. At its conclusion, the cup of wine is put down before the middle Matzah is uncovered.

After the ten plagues, wine is also poured at each of the acronyms Detzach Adash Be’Acahav.

One does not pause during the recitation of the fourteen Dayenu’s.When reciting Matzah Zu, one holds the Levi and Yisroel Matzah by means of the cloth surrounding them. When reciting Maror Zu, one places his hands on the Maror and Chazeres on the Kaarah.

At Lefichoch (near the end of Maggid), the middle Matzah is covered before picking up the second cup of wine. The cup isn’t raised continuously from Lefichoch until the Brocho concluding Go’al Yisroel. Rather, it is set down for the two intervening paragraphs of Hallelu-kah and Btzeis.

At the Brocho of Lefichoch, one should recite “min HaPesachim umin HaZevachim” on the first night of Pesach, and “min HaZevachim umin HaPesachim” on the second night of Pesach.

One should endeavour not to speak unrelated matters from the beginning of Motzie-Matzah until the end of Koirech.

For Motzie-Matzah, every person with a Kaarah eats two Kezaysim of Matzah; one Kezayis of the Kohen Matzah and one Kezayis of the Levi Matzah. If this is too hard, one may suffice with one Kezayis comprised from both of those Matzos. The pieces of the Kohen and Levi Matzah are eaten together, and not one after the other. One without a Kaarah is given a bit of the Kohen and Levi Matzah supplemented by other Matzah; they need eat only one Kezayis in total. [For Motzie-Matzah, one follows the stricter opinion that measures a Kezayis as 29 grams.]

The Matzah is not dipped into salt.

When eating Motzie-Matzah, as well as Maror, Koirech and Afikomen, one should consume them in the shortest time frame possible, ideally within four minutes.

Maror requires one Kezayis (combined from both the horseradish and romaine lettuce). [For Maror, one may follow the lenient opinion that measures a Kezayis at approximately 19 grams.]

Wine from the bowl under the Becher is added to the Charoses. Before making the Brocho, one dips the Maror slightly and rapidly into the Charoses and then shakes it off. One should have in mind the Koirech when making the Brocho on the Maror.

Koirech is comprised of one Kezayis of the Yisroel Matzah, and one Kezayis of Maror (combined from both the horseradish and romaine lettuce). [For both the Matzah and Maror of Koirech, one may follow the lenient opinion that measures a Kezayis as approximately 19 grams.]

In order that the Matzah does not get wet, the Maror (Chazeres) should not be dipped into the Charoses. Instead, dry Charoses should be sprinkled directly onto the Maror and then shaken off.

Shulchan Orech begins with the egg dipped in salt-water. At this point, the remainder of the Kaarah may be removed from the table. One should not eat the Zeroah.

One does not lean when eating the meal. One should eat his fill, but pace himself so that he can eat the Afikomen without feeling bloated. 

One does not recite a Brocho when drinking wine during the meal, as it is included with the Brocho over the second cup of wine. One should not say L’Chaim, and should pace his wine intake so as not to disturb the rest of the Seder.

For the Afikomen, one eats two Kezaysim of Matzah; one to commemorate the Korban Pesach and the other to commemorate the Matzah that was eaten with it. As the Matzah hidden at the time of Yachats is likely less than two Kezaysim, it should be supplemented with other Matzah. Those who do not have a Kaarah are given a little bit of the Afikomen Matzah supplemented by other Matzah. 

If one finds it too hard to consume two Kezaysim, one may suffice with one Kezayis, but should stipulate that he thereby fulfils whichever commemoration is the primary one. [For Afikomen, one may follow the lenient opinion that measures a Kezayis as approximately 19 grams.] 

The Afikomen must be eaten in one place. Thus, one should not move from table to table, and certainly not from room to room.

We are particular about eating the Afikomen before midnight (1:25am) only on the first night. On the second night, the Seder is conducted at greater length, with greater elaboration of the Haggadah. 

One does not eat or drink anything after the Afikomen, aside from the last two cups of wine. [Even with the last two cups, if one decided not to finish them because it was too hard, he cannot later change his mind and drink what remains.]  

The Rebbe would fill the Kos Shel Eliyahu himself, and do so before filling his own Becher for Bentching (even though Sefer Haminhagim says to do it after Bentching).

The householder leads the Mezuman. Everyone holds the third cup of wine during the first three Brochos of bentching.

When opening the door for Shefoch Chamoscha, (some of) the candles are taken to the door. All the doors between the Seder and the public domain (or courtyard) are opened. 

Those who open the door say Shefoch Chamoscha whilst standing at the door, whereas everyone else recites it whilst remaining seated at the table. The next paragraph (Lo Lanu) is begun only after those at the door return. 

The Rebbe Rashab said, “During the Seder, and especially when the door is opened at Shefoch Chamoscha, one must think that he should merit to be a mentsch, and then Hashem will help … Don’t request physical matters; ask for spiritual matters!”

When reciting Hallel, the householder leads all the participants in the four stanzas of Hoidu and Ana Hashem in the same responsive manner as the Chazzan in Shule.

During Hallel Hagadol, one thinks of the four letters of Hashem’s name (as vowelized with a Komatz): The letter Yud during the first ten stanzas, the letter Hey during the next five stanzas, the letter Vov during the next six stanzas, and the letter Hey during the final five stanzas.

One must drink at least an entire Revi’is at the fourth cup of wine, in order to recite the Brocho Acharona. [As mentioned earlier, it is in any case ideal to consume the whole cup without pause.]

At the conclusion of the Seder, the wine from the Kos Shel Eliyahu is returned to the bottle whilst all sing Keili Attah. [Wine should first be added to the Kos Shel Eliyahu before returning it to the bottle, so that the wine in the bottle does not become Pogum.]

Before going to sleep on the first night of Pesach, one recites only the first paragraph of Shma and the Brocho of Hamapil. On the second night, Krias Shma She’al Hamitah is recited as per every Yom Tov.

🙝 Ya’aleh Veyavo in Bentching

If one forgets Ya’aleh Veyavo in bentching, but remembers before saying Hashem’s name at Bonei Yerushalayim, he goes back. If one remembered after that, but before beginning the next Brocho, he recites the extra Brocho as printed in the Bentcher. If one began even the first word of the next Brocho, one must begin bentching again if it is one of the two required meals of Yom Tov, but not if it is a third optional meal, or Chol Hamoied.

The Horachamon for Yom Tov is recited.

🙝 First Day: Tefilas Tal

After the Kaddish right before Musaf, the Gabbai announces “Morid Hatal”. From that point on, one recites “Morid Hatal” in Shmoneh Esrei. If one heard this announcement before davening Shacharis, he recites “Morid Hatal” in the Shmoneh Esrei of Shacharis as well. [One should avoid such a situation.] This does not apply when one will be davening Shacharis with another Minyan. 

Someone davening at home without a Minyan should recite Musaf only after he estimates that the Gabbai has already made the announcement.

The Chazzan recites the special Tefillah of Tal during Chazaras Hashatz. [He does not wear a Kittel.] The congregation recites each paragraph that begins with Tal before the Chazzan. 

If one mistakenly said “Morid HaGeshem”: 

• If one realized before saying Hashem’s name at the end of the Brocho, he returns to the beginning of the Brocho.
• If one already concluded the Brocho, he must return to the beginning of Shmoneh Esrei.
• If one did not realize his error until the time for that Tefillah passed, he must daven the next Tefillah twice. [E.g. If he said “Morid HaGeshem” at Shacharis, he must recite the Mincha Shmoneh Esrei twice.] Between the two Tefillos, he should wait the span of time to walk four Amos (approx. two metres), and preferably, he should recite words of supplication between them.

If one is in doubt whether he said Morid Hatal, for the first thirty days he should assume that he did not, and after thirty days he should assume that he did.

🙝 First Afternoon of Pesach

If possible, one avoids beginning the meal after the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (4:22pm), so that he has an appetite for the second Seder.

One may not perform any preparations on the first day for the second night and day of Yom Tov. [However, during Bein Hashmashos, one may instruct a Goy to prepare that which would be permissible for a Jew to perform on Yom Tov were it not being prepared for the second day.]

🙝 Second Night and Day of Pesach

The candles should be kindled with a pre-existing flame, and not before Tzeis Hakochavim. The Brochos are L’Hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov followed by Shehecheyanu. Tasks and preparations required for the second day of Yom Tov should not be conducted before this time. 

Candles must not be waxed into place, nor the wicks twisted. When needed, one may remove the wax from the previous night in a way that it falls directly into the bin.

Hallel and Sefiras Haomer is recited at Maariv; see separate Guide.

Chabad custom is to learn one daf of Masechta Sotah each day of Sefiras Haomer. On the first day, one learns the “Sha’ar Blatt”.

During the day meal of the second day of Pesach, it is appropriate to commemorate the anniversary of Esther’s feast which culminated in the hanging of Haman.

🙝 V’sein Brocho

Beginning on the first night of Chol Hamoied, we start reciting V’sein Brocho.

If one said Tal Umotor, but realized before saying Hashem’s name at the end of that Brocho, he returns to the start of the Brocho.  

If one already concluded the Brocho, there is a difference between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

In the Southern Hemisphere:

• If one already concluded the Brocho, he does not go back, relying on the opinions that one may daven for rain during the local winter months. 

In the Northern Hemisphere:

• If one already concluded the Brocho, he must go back to the Brocho of Boreich Aleinu, and continue from there to the end of Shmoneh Esrei. If he already began reciting (the second) Yih’yu L’ratzon, he must repeat the entire Shmoneh Esrei.
• If one did not realize his omission until the time for that Tefillah has passed, he must daven the next Tefillah twice. [E.g. If one said V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho during Shacharis, he must recite the Shmoneh Esrei of Mincha twice.] Between the two Tefillos, he should wait the span of time to walk four Amos (approximately two metres), and preferably, he should recite words of supplication between them. 
• If one said V’sein Tal Umotor Livrocho in Mincha of Erev Shabbos, he does not repeat the Shmoneh Esrei of Friday night.
• If one is in doubt whether he said V’sein Brocho, for the first thirty days he should assume that he did not, and after thirty days he should assume that he did.

🙝 Ya’aleh Veyavo in Davening

If one forgets Ya’aleh Veyavo in davening, but remembers before saying Hashem’s name at the end of Hamachazir Shechinasoi L’tziyon, he goes back. If he remembered between the conclusion of that Brocho and Modim, he recites it at that point, without going back. If he remembers after that point, but before taking three steps back, he returns to the beginning of Retzei. If he remembers after taking three steps back, Shmoneh Esrei is repeated.

If one is unsure whether he recited Ya’aleh Veyavo, Shmoneh Esrei is repeated.

If one forgot Ya’aleh Veyavo during Shacharis, and only realised after Musaf, he does not repeat Shacharis.

If one forgot Ya’aleh Veyavo during Mincha or Maariv, and only realized after the Zman Tefillah has passed, he must recite an additional Shmoneh Esrei in the next Tefillah, as compensation. Between the two Tefillos, he should wait the span of time to walk four Amos (approx. two metres), and preferably, he should recite words of supplication between them.

🙝 Chol Hamoied

On the first night of Chol Hamoied, Havdalah is recited without Besomim and candles. V’Yiten Lecha is not recited.

Mizmor L’Sodah is not recited during Pesach.

Half-Hallel is recited during Chol Hamoied as well as on the last days of Pesach.

On Chol Hamoied:

• One wears Shabbos clothing.
• One washes for Matzah, eats meat and drinks a cup of wine every day. 
• One allocates more time for learning. [The Rebbe directed that this is all the more emphasised this year, when Chol Hamoied is uninterrupted by Shabbos and its preparations.]

Many activities are prohibited during Chol Hamoied, including (but not limited to) business activity, trade, moving homes, gardening, sewing, laundering (unless for children who soil their clothing frequently, but only as required), preparing food for after Yom Tov, cutting nails (unless it was done on Erev Pesach as well) and taking haircuts. One may not instruct a non-Jew to perform these activities for him either.

For the sake of Chol Hamoied or the last days of Yom Tov, one may professionally repair any item which is directly involved in food preparation (e.g. oven or fridge), or which provides direct benefit to the body (e.g. the plumbing, electricity or air-conditioning), provided that it wasn’t practical to fix prior to Yom Tov (e.g. it broke on Yom Tov).

One should avoid writing. If it cannot be deferred until after Chol Hamoied, one should write with a Shinui. However, calligraphy and artistic drawing or painting is prohibited.

Unless needed for Yom Tov, one should not shop for utensils, appliances or clothing. [One may be lenient if the item is significantly discounted and it cannot be purchased later for a similar price.]

If an employee’s job involves activities that are not performed on Chol Hamoied, he should arrange to take leave, unless his absence will jeopardise his employment.

Routine medical exams that can easily wait should not be scheduled for Chol Hamoied.

One who goes fruit-picking or fishing on Chol Hamoied may only collect that which will be used during the remainder of Chol Hamoied or on the last days of Yom Tov.

One who goes to a farm or zoo may not feed the animals Chometz, even if neither the animal nor the Chometz belongs to him. [One should also remember the Brocho of Meshane Habriyos at the zoo when applicable.] 

🙝 Erev Shvi’i Shel Pesach

It is preferable to refrain from eating a proper meal once the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (4:08pm), in order to properly enjoy the Yom Tov meal at night. However, one may snack in small quantities.

One immerses in a Mikvah after midday.

One gives Tzedakah for the two days of Yom Tov. 

One should arrange a pre-existing flame from which to light the candles on the second night of Yom Tov.

Since the Shvi’i Shel Pesach is Shabbos, the candles should be kindled at the usual eighteen minutes before sunset (6:53pm), and certainly not after sunset (7:11pm). 

The Brocho is Shel Shabbos v’Shel Yom Tov, but Shehecheyanu is not recited. [If one mistakenly omitted either Shabbos or Yom Tov entirely – if she realized within the time frame it takes to say three words, she corrects her mistake. Otherwise, there is a debate whether to repeat the Brocho, and how. One should take great care to avoid this dilemma in the first place.]

If eating out, one should ensure that practical benefit is derived from the candles after Yom Tov begins.

As it is Erev Shabbos, Pasach Eliyahu is recited before Mincha, but not Hoidu. 

🙝 Shvi’i Shel Pesach – Night

The joy of Shvi’i and Acharon Shel Pesach is greater than the rest of Pesach.

Kabbolas Shabbos begins with Mizmor L’Dovid, and not with L’chu Neranenah. In Lecho Dodi, we say B’Simcha U’vetzahala. 

Since it is Shabbos, all the Shabbos selections are added in the Shmoneh Esrei of Pesach. If one did not make any mention of Shabbos in the middle Brocho, or he mistakenly davened the regular Shmoneh Esrei of Shabbos: If he did not yet finish reciting the second Yih’yu L’ratzon (at the end of the passage of Elokai N’tzor), he should return to the beginning of the middle Brocho (i.e. Atoh Vechartonu). Otherwise, he must repeat Shmoneh Esrei.

After Shmoneh Esrei, the Shabbos selections are recited – Vayechulu, the Brocho of Me’ein Sheva and Mizmor L’Dovid.

The custom of avoiding Kiddush between the sixth and seventh hour on Friday night applies even when it falls on Shvi’i Shel Pesach.

Shalom Aleichem and Eishes Chayil (as well as all the other selections prior to Kiddush) are recited, but in an undertone. Yom Hashishi is then recited aloud, followed by Hagofen and the Pesach Kiddush (including the Shabbos additions). Shehecheyanu is not recited.

One drinks a cup of wine every day of Pesach. This should be paid special attention by those who did not make their own Kiddush.

Azamer Bishvachin is not recited, even though it is Friday night.

The householder leads the Mezuman as it is Friday night.

One remains awake and learns the entire night of Shvi’i Shel Pesach. [It is appropriate to learn the Maamar entitled Hayom Ro’oh and/or V’heynif (in Likutei Torah).]

🙝 Bentching on Shvi’i Shel Pesach

If one forgets Retzei and/or Ya’aleh Veyavo on Shvi’i Shel Pesach: If he remembers before saying Hashem’s name at the end of Bonei Yerushalayim, he goes back. If he remembered after that, but before beginning the next Brocho, he recites the relevant Brocho printed in the Bentcher. [There are three separate Brochos – one if only Retzei was forgotten, another if only Ya’aleh Veyavo was forgotten, and a third when both were forgotten.] If one already began the first word of the next Brocho, one must begin bentching again.

The Horachamon of Shabbos and Yom Tov are recited, in that order.

🙝 Shvi’i Shel Pesach – Day

All the Shabbos selections are added in the Shmoneh Esrei of Shacharis and Musaf. [See the section “First Night Maariv” for details regarding one who forgot.]

As it is Shabbos, the special selections normally added for Yom Tov when opening the Aron Hakoidesh are omitted.

The congregation stands and faces the Sefer Torah while the Shirah is read.

Before Musaf, Yekum Parkan is recited as per a regular Shabbos, and the paragraph Vlakachta Soiles is recited before the Shesh Zechiros.

For the daytime Kiddush, all the selections associated with the Shabbos daytime Kiddush – from Mizmor L’Dovid until Al Kein (inclusive) are recited in an undertone, followed by Eileh Moadei in a loud voice. 

If possible, one avoids beginning the meal after the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (4:08pm), in order to enjoy the meal of the second night of Yom Tov.

One may not perform any preparations on the first day for the second night and day of Yom Tov.

The Rebbe instituted the custom of Tahalucha, attaching much importance to it. The Rebbe encouraged all Chassidim to visit community Shules and enhance their Simchas Yom Tov by sharing words of Torah (both Nigleh and Chassidus), and to encourage them to conduct a Seudas Moshiach on the last day of Pesach.

As it is Shabbos this year, Tahalacha participants should remain mindful of the prohibition to carry on Shabbos.

🙝 Acharon Shel Pesach – Night

Shabbos ends at 7:50pm. Maariv (and Kiddush) should not begin before this time, nor should tasks and preparations required for Yom Tov be conducted before this time.

Vatodienu is recited during the Shmoneh Esrei of Maariv. [If one forgot to do so, he does not correct his mistake, but should say Baruch Hamavdil Bein Koidesh L’Koidesh before doing anything forbidden on Shabbos but permitted on Yom Tov, or before performing tasks for the second night of Yom Tov. The same applies to a woman who will not be davening Maariv.]

The candles should be kindled with a pre-existing flame, and only after Shabbos ends (7:50pm). The Brocho of Shel Yom Tov is recited, but Shehecheyanu is not recited. 

Candles must not be waxed into place, nor may the wicks be twisted. When necessary, one may remove the wax from the previous night in a way that it falls directly into the bin.

On Yom Tov, one may not relight a candle that extinguished for the first time on Shabbos. 

If eating elsewhere, one must derive some practical benefit from the candles after nightfall.

For Kiddush on Achron Shel Pesach night, one recites a total of four Brochos: Yayin, Kiddush, Ner and Havdallah. [If one jumbled the order, he does not need to repeat it in the correct order, unless he reversed the order of Yayin and Kiddush.] Shehecheyanu is not recited.

When reciting the Brocho of Ner, one looks at the candle, but does not bring the candles together, nor does one look at his fingernails or bring them close to the flames. 

[If one forgot to recite Ner and Havdallah during Kiddush, he should recite it over a cup of wine as soon as he realizes. He should also recite the Brocho of Hagofen if required (such as when he already bentched, or he intended at the time of Kiddush not to drink any more wine during the meal). If he did not remember until the next morning, he should recite the Brocho of Havdallah over a cup of wine, but not the Brocho of Ner.]

One drinks a cup of wine every day of Pesach. This should be paid special attention by those who did not make their own Kiddush.

Gebrochts are eaten in every meal of Acharon Shel Pesach, and we emphasize mixing the Matzah with the various food courses and drinks.

One once again passes his wet hand over his lips at Mayim Achronim.

The Brocho for Kneidlach is Mezonos.

🙝 Acharon Shel Pesach – Day

Yizkor is recited before Musaf. Those who leave the Shule for Yizkor may recite “Av Harachamim” after Yizkor if they wish to.

After Mincha and before sunset, we wash for Matzah and participate in a Seudas Moshiach, including four full cups of wine. The Nigunim of the Rebbeim (and the Daled Bavos) are sung. 

Every Jew should be encouraged to take part in Seudas Moshiach. 

One may technically eat Chometz during the Seudas Moshiach after Tzeis Hakochavim. 

During Bentching, Ya’aleh Veyavo (and Horachamon) is recited, even if it is already after Tzeis Hakochavim.

On Motzei Pesach, Havdalah is recited without Besomin and candles. V’Yiten Lecha is not recited.

🙝 Isru Chag

One should wait a short period of time after Pesach before eating Chometz, in order to allow time for the Rov to repurchase the Chometz.

One may not eat or benefit from Chometz owned by a Jew on Pesach; it must be destroyed. Therefore, one should not purchase Chometz at a store owned by a non-observant Jew or manufactured by a company owned by a non-observant Jew, unless he is certain that it was stocked or manufactured after Pesach.

Isru Chag is celebrated with additional food items.

In association with Yom Tov, the Rebbe encouraged all to participate in a Kinus Torah.

Best wishes for a Kosher un Freilichen Pesach!